Influenza Basics

Getting the flu feels miserable and can sometimes make you dangerously sick. Find out how to protect yourself and those around you, as well as how to identify the flu, and what you should do if you get sick.

Thousands of Minnesotans end up in the hospital each season due to the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). With these viruses circulating this fall and winter, we want to do everything we can to keep Minnesotans healthy.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from flu. Cover your cough and sneezes, wash your hands, stay home when sick, clean frequently touched surfaces, and wear a mask to prevent the spread of flu.

Who should get flu vaccine

• Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year unless they cannot because of medical reasons.
• People most at risk for complications from flu: 
  • People age 65 and older.
  • Children under 5 years.
  • Pregnant women.
  • People with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
  • American Indian and Alaska Native.
• Influenza (Flu) Facts
  Information for the general public about influenza and influenza vaccine.
• When to Get Medical Help for Flu Symptoms
• Influenza (Flu) Information for Parents
  Fact sheet about influenza and children, including prevention, symptoms and treatment.
• Pregnant? Get a Flu Shot
  Information for pregnant women about influenza and influenza vaccine.
• CDC: Influenza (Flu)
  Information from CDC on flu symptoms, prevention, treatment and complications.
• Institute for Vaccine Safety: Religion and Vaccines
  Information about the practices and beliefs of various religious groups that can seemingly be in conflict with some of the components of some vaccines.
• Cover Your Cough
  Stop the spread of germs that make you and others sick. Properly covering your cough will help you keep from spreading influenza.
• Hand Hygiene
  Proper hand washing significantly reduces the spread of the diseases like flu and the common cold.